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Current and former members of the D.C. National Guard gathered at the Military Women’s Memorial on Jan. 10, 2026, to honor Ms. Nancy “Mama” Lynch on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated military and civilian service. Lynch’s career spanned decades of mentorship, leadership, and commitment to Soldiers and Airmen of the Capital Guardian community. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Ayan Sheikh)

The Heart of the D.C. National Guard Retires After 40 Years of Military and Civilian Service
Soldiers assigned to the Alabama National Guard and Oklahoma National Guard discuss their experiences supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission while serving in the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., Jan. 2, 2026. Through presence patrols, community engagement and coordination with local partners, National Guard members assist the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety at high-traffic locations throughout the District. The mission brings together Guardsmen from across the country to support residents, commuters and visitors while reinforcing readiness, teamwork and community trust. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship and U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class William Frye)

Making a Difference: Guardsmen Serve the Nation’s Capital
The Army National Guard patch is displayed on the sleeve of a District of Columbia National Guard Soldier supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C. Guardsmen provide a visible, disciplined presence and work alongside local and federal partners to enhance public safety, strengthen community trust, and help ensure the nation’s capital remains secure for residents, commuters, and visitors. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Soldier Assists Injured Driver After Rollover Crash
U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Shumar, a combat engineer, front, U.S. Air National Guard Capt. April McClung, a nurse, and U.S. Army Pfc. Jalen Taylor, a unit supply specialist, all assigned to the West Virginia National Guard, patrol near the Judiciary Square Metro station, Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)

Air National Guard captain delivers baby in hospital parking lot
U.S. Army Maj. Margaret P. Serrano, Legal Assistance Attorney within the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA), presents vital tools to protect Guardsmen and their loved ones from uncertainty during a crisis, at the D.C. Armory, Jan. 2, 2026. Taking proactive steps to get your legal affairs in order means you can focus on your mission with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is secure and your personal wishes are protected. This includes: -Family Readiness: Ensuring you have a Family Care Plan and have legally appointed guardians for your children. -Estate Planning: Creating a Will to direct who receives your property, a Living Will for your end-of-life medical wishes, and a Health Care Power of Attorney to designate someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. -Financial Affairs: Appointing a trusted agent with a Durable Power of Attorney to manage your finances and confirming your life insurance beneficiaries are correct and up-to-date. The goal of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is to help Guardsmen achieve legal readiness. Services are completely free and confidential for eligible service members. Legal assistance is available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the D.C. Armory drill floor on the 1st and 15th of each month. See the QR codes in the video to learn more.

Legal Readiness 101: District of Columbia National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
Members of the D.C. National Guard's 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) join MedStar Health SiTEL clinicians, physicians, and medical students for an advanced emergency simulation in Northwest Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 2025. The joint exercise tested rapid medical response in contaminated and high-risk environments, strengthening interagency readiness and ensuring both partners are better prepared to protect the community.

33rd WMD-CST Joins MedStar Health SiTEL for Emergency Medical Training
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard; Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Smith, Senior Enlisted Leader; and their spouses deliver a holiday message emphasizing gratitude for service, readiness, and family sacrifice to the D.C. National Guard and Joint Task Force - District of Columbia. This holiday season, they encourage the entire force to focus on connection, gratitude, achievements, and progress. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Command Team Holiday Message
Family members of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard, pin the one-star rank on her at a ceremony formally promoting her on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Dec. 3, 2025. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and managing the development, execution, and evaluation of joint staff programs and policies pertaining to the command, control, and operation of joint functions within the District of Columbia Army and District of Columbia Air National Guard. She manages readiness of joint defense programs to include the Civil Support Team, Homeland Response Force, State Partnership Program, Counter Drug Task Force, and Defense Support to Civil Authorities. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor Reflects on Service, Promotion, and New Role
U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony D. Sims, right, stands at attention during a ceremony in which assumes the position of District of Columbia Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. at the D.C. Armory in Washington, Nov. 9, 2025. The Command Chief Master Sgt. is the principal military advisor to the commanding general on all matters concerning the Air National Guard enlisted force.

DC Air National Guard transitions Command Chief
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, reflects on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women, past and present, who have worn the uniform of the Armed Forces. Veterans Day serves as a call to action, reminding the public that the freedoms enjoyed by Americans are the result of the sacrifices made by service members, and it highlights the enduring significance of military service. (U.S Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

Veterans Day 2025 Command Message
The D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Drug Demand Reduction Outreach team delivers a drug prevention presentation to students at Ballou STAY Opportunity Academy on Oct. 24, 2025, in recognition of Red Ribbon Week in Washington D.C. The session aimed to spark candid discussions about substance misuse and highlight the importance of making healthy, informed decisions. The DDRO outreach team emphasized its ongoing mission to combat drug abuse through education, awareness, and interactive programs designed to empower young people.

D.C. National Guard Counterdrug Partners with Ballou STAY Students During Red Ribbon Week
U.S. Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, and members of his command team coordinate with local law enforcement investigating a reported incident in the D.C. Metro, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission strengthens interagency response capabilities and ensures unified action to protect the public.

75 Days Strong — Guard Members Keep the Nation’s Capital Safe and Beautiful
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Robert Gibson, Sr., assumes responsibility as the seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer of the District of Columbia National Guard from CW5 Bernard Aguon during a change of responsibility ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 22, 2025. The ceremony was officiated by Brig. Gen. Craig M. Maceri, the D.C. Army National Guard’s Land Component Command (LCC) commander. The Command Chief Warrant Officer is the top Warrant Officer advisor to the D.C. National Guard’s Commanding General, the Adjutant General (TAG), and Land Component Command commander. The CCWO provides specialized expertise, leadership, and mentorship, and is responsible for the training, readiness, and professional development of the warrant officer corps.

D.C. National Guard Welcomes Seventh Command Chief Warrant Officer (CCWO)
U.S. Air Force Airman Devontae Taylor, left, and Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, Airmen with the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi National Guard, with the 112th Military Police Battalion, Mississippi National Guard, Task Force Magnolia, recovered a lost child, center left, near the Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

National Guard Duo Reunite Lost Child With Parents at Washington Monument
Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area, Washington D.C. Oct. 11th, 2025. Approximately 2,300 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Daniel Ward)

Leadership of District of Columbia National Guard and the U.S. Marshals Service inform the public of the many accomplishments after 60 days of operations in the D.C. area
U.S. Army Soldiers with the Multi-agency Augmentee Command (MAC), District of Columbia National Guard, gather litter and debris in the Ivy City neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Sept. 20, 2025. The Soldiers are part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, which involves about 2,300 National Guard members providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to ensure the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Task Force Beautification Marks 100 Projects, Unveils New Strategy for Safer DC
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) for the D.C. National Guard, and Chief Pamela A. Smith, Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department, discuss the DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair at MPD Academy, 4665 Blue Plains Drive SW, Washington, DC, 20032. The multi-agency recruiting event on Sept. 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. is hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department Recruiting Unit and will include over 27 federal and local law enforcement agencies. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair promo
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim), D.C. National Guard, receives his first familiarization flight in a 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard F-16D Fighting Falcon on Joint Base Andrews, Sep. 19, 2025. The aircraft was flown by Maj. Benjamin Saunders, pilot, 113th Wing Operations Group. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the 113th Wing's Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) mission has protected the skies 24/7 above the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Arthur M. Wright)

D.C. National Guard Commanding General receives familiarization flight in an F-16D
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, and members of Task Force Beautification join Ward 8 residents, volunteers, and 8B06 Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) members for a pop-up community clean-up in Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 2025. The effort, led by ANC Commissioner Marcus “Mick” Hickman, marked the first time D.C. National Guard members worked alongside residents and elected officials in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. Many of the participating Guard members live and work in the District, strengthening their shared commitment to keeping local neighborhoods safe and clean.

Task Force Beautification teams with Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) in the District’s Ward 8
U.S. Army Spc. Josiah Davenport, assigned to the 269th Military Police Company, Tennessee National Guard conducts maintenance on a vehicle at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Aug. 30, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Tennessee, D.C. National Guard mechanics partner for D.C. Safe and Beautiful
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, center, director, Army National Guard, brings Guardsmen in for a motivational moment as they prepare to go on shift as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force at the Logistical Support Area on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Aug. 25, 2025. About 2,000 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District.

Guard members from six states, D.C. on duty in Washington in support of local, fed authorities
DC National Guard News
Last stand for RFK Memorial Stadium
The partially-demolished edifice of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is visible from the roof of the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., Aug. 18, 2025. The longstanding landmark fell into disrepair and is being demolished to make way for a new stadium. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)
Jan. 15, 2026 - WASHINGTON – Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. is fading into history with demolition nearing completion on the landmark that hosted the NFL Washington Redskins, two MLB teams, Olympic soccer, and many...
Serving Side by Side: Parent and Child Teams Support D.C. Safe Mission
U.S Army Maj. Roy Baker, right, 45th Field Artillery, and Pfc. Radomir Baker, 2-245th Headquarters and Headquarters Company, pose for a photo in the District of Columbia Armory in Washington, D.C. Jan. 13, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)
Jan. 15, 2026 - WASHINGTON – U.S. Army combinations of the parent and child patrol the streets of the District of Columbia while maintaining readiness and their family relationship — both wearing the same uniform, supporting the same...
The Heart of the D.C. National Guard Retires After 40 Years of Military and Civilian Service
Current and former members of the D.C. National Guard gathered at the Military Women’s Memorial on Jan. 10, 2026, to honor Ms. Nancy “Mama” Lynch on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated military and civilian service. Lynch’s career spanned decades of mentorship, leadership, and commitment to Soldiers and Airmen of the Capital Guardian community. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Ayan Sheikh)
Jan. 14, 2026 - WASHINGTON — Every morning, she greeted Capital Guardians the same way: with a smile, a hug, and a warm “Come here, baby.” For decades, Sylvia “Mama” Lynch has been the comforting and guiding presence for generations of...
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National Guard News
Pennsylvania National Guard Hosts Inaugural Keystone Combatives Tournament
Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, poses with competitors following the awards ceremony at the inaugural Pennsylvania National Guard Keystones Combatives Tournament in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Jan. 11, 2026. Thirty-nine Soldiers and Airmen competed in the first Modern Army Combatives tournament in the state’s history. Photo by Staff Sgt. Kelly Boyer.
Jan. 14, 2026 - FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — Thirty-nine Soldiers and Airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard tested their hand-to-hand combat skills during the inaugural Keystone Combatives Tournament at the Blue Mountain Sports Complex...
Alaska Air Guard Conducts Nighttime Medical Evacuation
Carrying U.S. Coast Guard members of the Maritime Security Response Team, a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60G Pave Hawk combat search and rescue helicopter conducts joint hoist training Jan. 23, 2023, at Coast Guard Station Kodiak. The Interagency training included participation of U.S. Naval Special Warfare, the Coast Guard's Maritime Security Response Team and the Alaska Air National Guard's 210th Rescue Squadron. Photo by David Bedard.
Jan. 14, 2026 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – Alaska Air National Guard members assigned to the 176th Wing medically evacuated an individual Jan. 12 in Southcentral Alaska.In response to a request for assistance from the Alaska...
Illinois Guard, Portugal Formalize New State Partnership Agreement
Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the adjutant general of Illinois and commander of the Illinois National Guard, and Portuguese Lt. Gen. Rui Freitas sign the formal agreement creating the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program between the Illinois National Guard and the Portuguese military on Jan. 12, 2026, at the Portuguese Ministry of Defense in Lisbon. The State Partnership Program is a Department of War initiative led by the National Guard that supports the security cooperation objectives of U.S. combatant commands and aligns with U.S. State Department strategies. Photo by Cpl. Justin Malone.
Jan. 13, 2026 - LISBON, Portugal – The Illinois National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of the Portuguese Republic held a ceremony Jan. 12 to officially establish a new State Partnership Program agreement between the two armed...
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#CitizenSoldiers. Real-world skills. Stronger communities! Airmen and Soldiers with D.C. National Guard leverage their civilian law enforcement experience to support Joint Task Force–DC—reinforcing public safety through service, professionalism, and community connection. #DCSafe https://t.co/RcptC3LJtH
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“Come here, baby.” For decades, that’s how Sylvia “Mama” Lynch greeted generations of DCNG Soldiers, Airmen, and their families. After 40+ years of service, she retires leaving a legacy of mentorship, compassion, and lifelong impact. Read her story: https://t.co/1Kox4VbH7T https://t.co/AeFKAIZhKR
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Guardsmen supporting JTF-DC are trained, prepared, & ready to help! U.S. Army Sgt. Seth Handy with @OHNationalGuard recently helped coordinate fellow patrol members outside the Armory–Stadium Metro Station in DC, following an altercation involving multiple individuals. https://t.co/csFI84ABdE
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Capt. April McClung, a nurse with the 130th Airlift Wing @WVNationalGuard, turned a routine evening into a life saving moment days before Christmas by delivering a baby outside Walter Reed. Read her heroic story here: https://t.co/Dd6fWuEQII #DCSafe #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/qFew7zzg1v
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The D.C. Safe & Beautiful mission is powered by people like U.S. Army 1st Lt. Emmanuel Boyd from @nationalguardMS. He was recently promoted during a ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He's one of nearly 2,400 Guard members supporting Joint Task Force–DC. #DCSafe https://t.co/FVwvcCpzcL
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We extend our sincere condolences to Officer Bennett’s family. He died while serving our community and upholding his sworn duty to protect others. His partnership with the National Guard to protect #DC will not be forgotten. https://t.co/pYDbU4xz40
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This is what putting people first looks like! Oklahoma National Guard provide mission command, coordination, and operational support to #DCSafe mission. Through a visible presence and close partnership with local & federal partners, they enhance public safety and community trust. https://t.co/iGKlRcFI1W
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“If not me, then who?” U.S. Army Spc. Chris Zobo, a combat medic assigned to Joint Task Force - DC, rendered lifesaving aid to an injured driver following a rollover crash along Interstate 275 northbound near Exit 4 in Washington, D.C. Read more: https://t.co/S4ScRDVfq3 https://t.co/DcepdrFBkg
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#YourMotivationalMinute! Sacrifice is fundamentally crucial to every military mission—forming the bedrock of service, resilience, and commitment to something greater than self. From time away from family to the ultimate cost, sacrifice drives service forward. https://t.co/LUAG4CSgGS
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Soldiers assigned to the @AlabamaNG and @OKGuard discuss their experiences supporting the #DCSafe mission. Through presence patrols, community engagement and coordination with local partners the mission reinforces #readiness, #teamwork, and community #trust. @USNationalGuard https://t.co/Z1lNRlSVO0
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As of Dec. 31, the Operation Make #DCSafe & Beautiful task force has arrested more than 8,152 violent fugitives, including 20 for homicide, 1,343 for narcotics, 633 for weapons offenses, 29 for sex offenses, and 48 known gang members: https://t.co/4Omr7WG7ea @USNationalGuard https://t.co/Z0FWPj9OZ3
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Enhancing #mission #readiness for domestic needs! @USNationalGuard https://t.co/6f9yyysuyk
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We recognize #independence not just on July 4th, but throughout the year! Joint Task Force - DC stood watch in support of #DCSafe while the District ushered in the #NewYear and the start of the nation's 250th commemorative year! Learn more here: https://t.co/aqwK5QHILL https://t.co/WL6PsDkgAt
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RT @USNationalGuard: Happy New Year! What are your resolutions for 2026? https://t.co/xKipKj9WZ4
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RT @ARNGDirector: On behalf of the team here at the Office of the Director of the Army National Guard I want to give a huge shoutout to all…
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Guardsmen with Joint-Task Force D.C. conduct presence patrols in support of the Safe and Beautiful mission. Standing ready, visible, and engaged alongside our federal and local law enforcement partners to help keep the District safe for all. #DCSafe #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/7QJAXpkD38
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Football + @USNationalGuard = Christmas done right! We couldn't help but share our Commanding General's unforgettable experience presenting the game ball for the Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys #ChristmasDay game! #NFL #WashingtonCommanders https://t.co/sFNYDEuPqh
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#Resource connectors! Brig. Gen. Natasha S. Taylor, Director of Joint Staff-JFHQ, recognized the J9 Resiliency Team for their efforts in support of JTF-DC during the #holidayseason. In essence, the J9 ensures troops are taken care of while in the nation's capital amid #DCSafe. https://t.co/5eIW0k4gPY
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#Presence, #partnership, and #trust! https://t.co/G26f2nQ6W7
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For #county and #community the @USNationalGuard remains #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere! Recently, we gathered for the 389th #Birthday Gala at the Washington Hilton to recognize our unique strength across all 54 states/territories, bridging #community and national #defense needs! https://t.co/oVDOynGahv
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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